Yusuf Olatunji
Sep 1, 2018 · 4 min read

THE WRITER’S DIET
Writing has been perceived differently across various set of people. Sometimes it is considered a hobby, at other times it is a profession. But for a vast majority of established writers out there, it is a way of life; it is to them as water is to a fish, inseparable. They simply can’t live without writing, even while asleep, they are actively connecting with the other world, only to be brought back to life and the account of their interactions with the ancestors becomes an idea, ready to transform the world for better. These are the quintessential writers; kudos to them for their invaluable impacts on the society. Truth be told, writing is highly-demanding and requires more than the theoretical dictum of social media updates. The writer just like other homo sapiens must eat, but then, the nature of his job should speak volume about what to consume. Yes, the reason is not far-fetched.

As a quintessential writer, you must be glued to the screen of your laptop for a sizeable amount of time, strives to beat deadlines, read and research like no one else. Of course you must sustain your reputation by being the best in whatever niche you have chosen for yourself; and as far as I know, there is practically no writing niche that doesn’t require research. The entirety of what constitutes professional writing is so challenging that unless the right approach is employed one could end up living a sedentary lifestyle. What could be so disastrous than such! Writers are unique set of individuals who right the wrongs of the society with their golden ink. They must therefore not be allowed to fall victims of avoidable health complications associated with sedentary lifestyle.

Beyond any iota of doubt, a symbiotic relationship has been established between what passes through the gut and our overall health- including our intellectual acumen, a factor that resonates a lot about your productivity as a writer. Information they say is power and these golden piece of information is meant to be inscribed in our subconscious with a golden ink. I’m about to reveal an open secret; endeavor to cling to it. An astute writer must carefully select his food to include those amazing foods that can boost the functioning of his cerebrum since his success is hinged upon the veracity of his intellectual prowess.

To this end, research has shown the nexus between potassium and the proper functioning of the brain. Food and fruit with high potassium content help to boost the retentiveness of the brain; prevent heart diseases and a host of other benefits. This sounds great for both aspiring and established writers. This is just a tip of an iceberg. Adults require a total of 3,510 mg of potassium daily according to the World Health Organization while another research indicates that adequate recommended intake for adults is 4,700 mg per day. The point here is to endeavor to consume between 3500-4700 milligrams of potassium per day. With enough potassium in your diet, you are assured of effective blood circulation in the brain, thus, neural activity and robust cognitive function will be achieved. As good as it appears, be careful not to load your system with excess of potassium, it has serious health consequences especially when the kidney finds it difficult to control the excess potassium.

The list of these foods and fruits is inexhaustible and ridiculously affordable with relative ease. They include: banana, orange, dates fruit, raisins, potatoes, cucumbers, avocados, kiwi fruits, pomegranate, white beans and many others, too numerous to mention. Aside their unique benefits to the brain, they help to combat any associated risk of obesity, fatigue and weakness, diabetes, acidosis, stress and anxiety, high blood pressure and many more which have been associated with sedentary lifestyle. Have you ever wonder why banana is often referred to as brain food? It is rich in potassium.

It is pertinent to mention that some foods impact negatively on your health as a writer. You must therefore be schooled on these potential stumbling blocks. Even when you consume the above nutrient-stacked fruits and foods in adequate proportions; the fact remains that some foods may hinder them from benefitting your system. The list of these antidotes include but not limited to white bread, cakes, white sugar, soft drinks, fried and spicy foods, cheese, biscuits and many others. Oh, I’ve just condemned almost all the favorite foods in your daily routine. Absolutely No. it is just that you need to cut down their consumption, they are not fruits and vegetables that should be consumed regularly. Overconsumption of these foods expose you to the risk of lower back pain which subsequently limit your chance of reading and writing for a longer duration. Avoid or cut down the consumption of some foods at night, they may affect your sleep. White bread tops the list. When you deprive yourself of enough sleep, the brain suffers. As a writer, your brain is your greatest asset. You must guard it jealously against all that can endanger it. The time is now, take action and thank your body later.

Yusuf Olatunji

Written by

Reader, writer, nutrionist and zoologist in that order. With my unique pen, I tutor the world on parenting, healthy living. Contributor at healthmagazin.ae.